ASSIGNEMENT: Kickstarter

Kickstarter is a web site that enables independent creative professionals to raise funds for lofty commercial projects. Entrepreneurial artisans ask for pledges at fixed price points in exchange for tiered thank-you gifts-for example, a handwritten note for a $1.00 pledge, a copy of the final product for a $25.00 pledge, and a home cooked dinner for a $10,000 pledge. After being approved for a Kickstarter campaign, an entrepreneur must meet or exceed her total fundraising goal within a set timeframe. If she cannot reach her goal, she loses all of the funds pledged to that point. Everything from board games to luxury underwear lines to stand-up comedy tours have been successfully funded through Kickstarter, as artisans have appealed to friends, family, and complete strangers from around the world to endow their dreams.

Research and outline a Kickstarter or other crowdfunding campaign for a company or client. What are the steps of a well-executed social media campaign? How much money do you recommend they shoot for?